He said Adam Cronin, an investigator for the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society, ordered goods advertised on the internet by a person using the name "Red Strip" at the defendant's address.

On February 25 the goods were delivered to a "drop address", examined and found to be counterfeit.

Hill was arrested and interviewed after a search warrant was executed at his North Wales home.

Two computer towers were seized and sent for forensic examination together with 1700 items.

Magistrates were told Hill worked for high street store PC World before joining the force in 1996 and had an interest in the internet and information technology, and a interest in music, films and play station games.

He began to exchange and eventually sell items over the internet.

His solicitor, Nicholas Holroyd, said: "This was no more than a hobby which has developed and which was in the early stages of development, and which may have gone no further.

"He disputes having made any great amount of money and in his own words he probably made no more than a hundred quid," said Mr Holroyd.

"But he understands the wrong doing in its proper context."

Hill appreciated he could be sent to prison for such offences but Mr Holroyd urged the court to consider a fine or a community punishment order.

In a reference written by a detective inspector, the defendant was described as a professional officer who was well-liked and respected by his colleagues.